The Thames Advantage

Billy H. Thames

Billy H. Thames offers an extensive background in business and governmental relations. Thames graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration, and received a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University where he was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.  He is also a graduate of the State Executive Development Institute through the John C. Stennis Center at MSU.

Thames began his career as a businessman, developing his own successful farm equipment business in the early 1970s. In 1979, he sold his business and entered politics, becoming elected to the Mississippi State Senate representing District 34 and subsequently reelected by substantial margins seven times.  Thames developed the reputation of knowing how to get things done, a quality he carried into his consulting and lobbying business.

During his 28-year career in the Mississippi Legislature, Thames chaired a number of committees and authored many major pieces of legislation, including the nationally recognized “Mental Health Reform Act of 1997.”

While serving in the Senate, Thames received 30 awards for distinguished service, including Legislator of the Year. The “Senator Billy H. Thames Crisis Intervention Complex” in Newton, MS, is named in his honor.

Thames has maintained strong relationships with members of the legislature and key committee chairpersons, as well as the Lt. Governor, Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, state agency directors, and staff. 

Thames retired from public service in 2008 and opened his own lobbying and consulting firm, The Thames Advantage.  The firm continues to build a solid reputation for achieving positive legislative results and serving as a liaison for a diversified clientele with county and city governments and state agencies.

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